Porous-Material-Based Composite Phase Change Materials for a Lithium-Ion Battery Thermal Management System

A battery thermal management system (BTMS)plays a significant role in the thermal safety of a power lithium-ionbattery. Research on phase change materials (PCMs) for a BTMShas drawn wide attention and has become the forefront of thisscientificfield. Several evident limitations exist in pure PCMs, suchas poor thermal conductivity and low structural stability, whileporous materials could reinforce PCMs for their superior thermalperformance and robustness. Most related existing reviews focusedon the thermal performances of a lithium-ion BTMS by differentcooling methods. However, the thermal properties of porousmaterials and those based composite phase change materials(CPCMs) have not been summarized, which have much influence on the thermal management effect of battery modules. Thus,research on porous-material-based CPCMs used for a lithium-ion BTMS were reviewed in this paper. The kinds of PCMs andporous materials commonly used in a lithium-ion BTMS were introduced, and the thermophysical properties and robustness ofporous-material-based CPCMs were systematically analyzed. Furthermore, the thermal management effects of a porous-material-based CPCM on a lithium-ion battery were summarized. We discussed the enhancement effects on PCMs and the advantages andlimitations of various porous materials commonly used in a lithium-ion BTMS. Finally, on the basis of the current research, thispaper concluded the requirement of porous material for a CPCM in a lithium-ion BTMS and the expected future research directionsof porous material, including looking for a potential porous carrier, intensifying heat transfer, and enhancing anti-vibrationperformance